Welcome to Bristol's Christmas Steps Arts Quarter
Our eight unique streets in Bristols old city are lined with independent shops, art galleries, bars, cafes and more than a few surprises, where artisans and creative traders work side by side to keep this diverse corner of Bristol as unusual as it's been throughout its long and intriguing history. When was the last time you took a walk down a different street?
In the lead up to Christmas we've had the children from St Michael's come and join us to sing carols and get us in the Christmas spirit and help switch on our Christmas lights. We've also had the first of Christmas Artisan Markets with over 25 stallholders selling their festive goodies – which obviously will give you plenty to choose from to find gifts for family and friends. And on the Saturday 18th we have the last one before Christmas.
This, like our other monthly Artisan Markets celebrates the wealth of Bristol's creativity with local makers holding stalls to show off their wares. Having initially held three markets leading up to last Christmas for locals and visitors to Bristol we're continuing, now that the warmer months are here, with what proved to be a great experiment and a really well received market. Coming along is also a chance chance for visitors to explore the other great independent businesses in the area.
Almost a year ago on the 25th October 2008 the new Christmas Steps Arts Quarter was named by the Lord Mayor. The area which twists its way through Perry Road, Lower Park Row, Colston Street, St Michael's Hill; the Christmas Steps themselves and the myriad maze of arched alleyways and secret passages is being reborn.
In each of the various galleries: in the glint of a clarinet, under a dusty stack of books, in the whiff of ale and crackled glaze of teapots and clocks, in the wink of an ancient stamp eye; the past both reflects and interacts with the future to create a truly unique area of independent artisans. A visit to the Christmas Steps Arts Quarter is both an illumination of Bristol history and an excursion into its modern treasures
